Pain on Left Side of Face, Jaw, and Ear

Pain on left side of face, jaw, and ear can be a confusing symptom, often leading to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. In India, conditions like trigeminal neuralgia (TN), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and chronic sinusitis are prevalent and can manifest with such pain.

Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, an acclaimed Neurosurgeon in Mumbai, says:

“Facial pain, especially when localized to one side, can indicate various underlying conditions. It’s crucial to approach such symptoms with a comprehensive diagnostic strategy to pinpoint the exact cause. Early and accurate diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.”

This blog aims to explore the possible causes of pain on the left side of the face, jaw, and ear, distinguish between common and complex conditions, and guide you toward effective treatments.

Facial pain can often be attributed to nerve-related issues, particularly involving the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations from your face to your brain. When affected, it can lead to sharp, shooting pains on one side of the face.​

Conditions like trigeminal neuralgia are characterized by sudden, severe facial pain episodes. These episodes can be triggered by everyday activities like brushing teeth, hair, or applying makeup. The pain is typically unilateral and can last from a few seconds to several minutes.​

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve. In India, studies have shown that the mandibular branch is involved in approximately 56.9% of TN cases, followed by the maxillary branch in 42%. Interestingly, while global data suggests a higher prevalence in females, some Indian studies have reported a male predominance.​

Symptoms of TN include:

• Pain triggered by touch, chewing, brushing teeth, or speaking
• Unexpected and severe, electric shock-like facial pain
• Episodes lasting from a few seconds to several minutes
• Pain typically on one side of the face​

Due to its intensity, TN is often misdiagnosed as dental problems or sinus issues, leading to unnecessary treatments.​

Dealing with facial pain that just won’t go away? A comprehensive neurological evaluation might provide the answers you need.

Dental issues are a common cause of facial pain, but when treatments don’t alleviate the discomfort, it’s essential to consider other causes. Signs that the pain may not be dental-related include:

• Pain persists despite dental treatments
• Pain is triggered by non-dental activities (e.g., touching the face)
• Pain is sharp, shooting, or electric in nature
• No visible dental issues upon examination​

In such cases, consulting a specialist can help identify the underlying cause and prevent unnecessary dental procedures.​

Repeated or severe grand mal seizures can lead to:

• • Memory issues
  • Cognitive decline
  • Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety
  • Speech and motor impairments
  • Structural brain changes, particularly in the hippocampus

Fortunately, not all individuals develop these complications, especially when seizures are appropriately managed. Treatment outcomes are significantly improved when guided by experienced specialists.

Sinus infections can cause facial pain, especially around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead. Symptoms include:

• Facial pressure or pain
• Nasal congestion
• Headaches
• Postnasal drip​

In India, chronic sinusitis affects approximately 134 million people, making it a significant health concern.​

A rarer condition, glossopharyngeal neuralgia causes severe pain in areas like the throat, tongue, and ear. The pain is sudden and can be triggered by swallowing or talking.​

Persistent or severe facial pain warrants a consultation with a neurosurgeon, especially when:

• Pain is unresponsive to standard treatments
• Neurological symptoms accompany the pain (e.g., numbness, weakness)
• There’s a suspicion of nerve-related conditions like trigeminal neuralgia​

A neurosurgeon can provide a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies, to determine the exact cause and recommend appropriate interventions.​

Treatment varies based on the underlying cause:

• Anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine) for TN
• Muscle relaxants for TMJ disorders
• Antibiotics or nasal corticosteroids for sinusitis​

In cases where medications fail to control nerve-related pain, several minimally invasive options can be considered:

• Radiofrequency Rhizotomy: A procedure that selectively destroys nerve fibers carrying pain signals.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife): A non-invasive technique that uses focused radiation to damage the part of the nerve causing pain.
• Glycerol Injections: Used in TN to block pain transmission by damaging the nerve fibers chemically.

When non-invasive methods don’t yield results, surgery may be the best route:

• Microvascular Decompression (MVD): This involves relieving pressure on the nerve caused by nearby blood vessels. MVD has a high success rate in TN patients and preserves normal nerve function.
• Balloon Compression: Temporarily compresses the trigeminal nerve to reduce its ability to transmit pain.
• Arthroscopy or joint replacement for severe TMJ disorders: Allows for removal of inflamed tissue or adhesions within the joint. In more severe or degenerative cases, total joint replacement may be necessary to restore jaw function and alleviate chronic pain.

Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, a seasoned Neurosurgeon in Mumbai, shares:

“Advanced neurosurgical techniques like MVD and radiosurgery have revolutionized how we manage chronic facial pain. With proper evaluation and the right approach, patients can often reclaim a pain-free life. Our goal is always to preserve nerve function while eliminating the source of discomfort.”

Along with medical and surgical treatments, supportive therapies play an important role:

• Physical Therapy: Especially for TMJ-related symptoms, jaw exercises can restore function and relieve strain.
• Stress Management: Facial pain can worsen with stress. Techniques like meditation, yoga, or biofeedback can be helpful.
• Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding hard-to-chew foods can minimize TMJ discomfort.

Pain on left side of face, jaw, and ear is more than just discomfort —it could be a signal from your nervous system that something deeper is wrong. Whether it’s a nerve-related disorder like trigeminal neuralgia, a structural issue such as TMJ dysfunction, or a chronic infection like sinusitis, proper diagnosis is key.

In India and globally, millions suffer from conditions that are frequently misdiagnosed or mistreated. Early intervention, guided by a neurologically focused specialist, can dramatically improve quality of life. Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeons in Mumbai, combines clinical precision with compassionate care to help patients navigate nerve-related facial pain.

Still searching for answers about your facial pain? A neurologically focused evaluation could be the key to lasting relief — take the next step toward recovery today.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353344

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview

Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.